Riccardo Tisci joins as Burberry’s new chief creative officer

Here's what we can expect from the new appointment

Christopher Bailey’s swan song of a finale show for Burberry was easily the biggest highlight of London Fashion Week just last month. Almost a year ago, Riccardo Tisci, the visionary at Givenchy, stepped down from his role as creative director. Somewhere in the interim, Phoebe Philo exited from Céline. 2017 was a year of talent parting ways with enormous luxury giants whose very image they helped wield through their careers.

Observations and speculation form the backdrop against which fashion’s musical chairs are played. Many predicted a future for Tisci at Versace—the designer has made his respect for Donatella Versace very clear in the past few years. Meanwhile, Philo moving to Burberry was also part of the guesswork. However, news broke out today laying all speculation to rest; that Riccardo Tisci will be taking over Bailey at Burberry.

Tisci’s era at Givenchy will be remembered fondly in fashion history. His gothic, romantic aesthetic was championed by critics, fans and celebrities alike. British giant Burberry is known for its “classics reinvented” approach. The two distinctly different ideologies coming together is unexpected to say the least. Tisci, who is seasoned with no less than 12 years at Givenchy, transformed the couture house from one of French elitism to a brand that could produce couture and streetwear with equal ease.

In many ways, the move is a smart one for both parties involved. Tisci’s creativity supported by the resources at Burberry will only bring about favourable results. Safe to say, hardcore fans of the designer will carry forward their loyalties to Burberry. Not unlike Nicolas Ghesquière’s move to Louis Vuitton in 2013, the union could prove to be deeply satisfying one—commercially and creatively.